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Horn Troubles

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Old Jan 23, 2008 | 04:36 PM
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Horn Troubles

Hey Guys...
So my horn has been acting up lately, like hasnt been working, and then sometimes works. sometimes i just have to slam the wheel a little bit, and then it will work for a little while.

Up until today.

Now, it doesn't work at all and no matter how hard i slam on the wheel (which isn't very hard), but it doesn't work...I dont want to like hit the wheel too hard because I don't want the airbag to deploy. So, my question to you is...what are the parts of the horn (ie motor, relay, etc.), where are they located, and is there a way I can test the part to see if its bad without having to uninstall anything (like hooking up an ohmmeter or something). I need to start looking into this because if i don't want anybody hitting my baby lol.

Thanks guys
Joe
Old Jan 23, 2008 | 04:43 PM
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If you have cruise, do those buttons work? Is your airbag light on or blinking?

There's always the relay:


And the fuse:


If it was a slow death, either the relay or the clock spring would be my guess. But if your CC and airbag work, clock spring is less likely.

Check the fuse, and swap the relay with any other of the same color to see if it's faulty.
Old Jan 23, 2008 | 04:49 PM
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Airbag light has been blinking for about a year...tried resetting it, shut off for a little, then came back on. Don't have the money to get the airbag fixed right now. I did check the fuses, didnt seem to be a problem. Cruise control is also on and off...it's funny you say that you really must know alot about this ****. Most of the time the cruise works, but every once in a while it doesnt. What does this mean?
Old Jan 23, 2008 | 04:51 PM
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and what is a clock spring? where is it located and how much dinero am i looking at? i'll do a little research on that now...
Old Jan 23, 2008 | 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by JWoodstock0617
Airbag light has been blinking for about a year...tried resetting it, shut off for a little, then came back on. Don't have the money to get the airbag fixed right now. I did check the fuses, didnt seem to be a problem. Cruise control is also on and off...it's funny you say that you really must know alot about this ****. Most of the time the cruise works, but every once in a while it doesnt. What does this mean?
Those three are all related to the clock spring, IMO that's the first place to start.
Old Jan 23, 2008 | 04:55 PM
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ok...my buddy has a haynes manual so i'm gonna go try to pick it up...but is it a diy job or is it a dealership job?
Old Jan 23, 2008 | 05:04 PM
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Clock spring: http://www.courtesyparts.com/betasit...-p-307868.html

Part number is 25554-5L325, at least for 06/98 and up.

It's DIY if you aren't afraid of the airbag deploying.
Old Jan 23, 2008 | 05:12 PM
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No need to worry about the airbag deploying if you do the following things first (and in this order):
1. You disconnect the terminals from the battery
2. Wait 10 minutes
3. Disconnect the distinct yellow airbag harness connector under the steering column/knee bolster.

You'll also need a T50 Tamper proof Torx bit to get the airbag off I believe..... that's what's on the passenger airbag anyway.
Old Jan 24, 2008 | 07:20 AM
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Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. Is it the same clock spring for all 4th gens? I have a 97 GLE...and do you think I should buy a used one from a junkyard or ebay for $50, or spend $200 from Nissan?
Old Jan 24, 2008 | 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by JWoodstock0617
Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. Is it the same clock spring for all 4th gens? I have a 97 GLE...and do you think I should buy a used one from a junkyard or ebay for $50, or spend $200 from Nissan?
I would imagine that same clock spring is in all 95-99 Maximas, but I have no proof of this.

I'd get the clock spring from a junkyard first, ebay second, and Nissan as plan Z.
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 05:14 PM
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does anybody know what the exact clockspring for a 97 gle? or are they all the same for 95-99, or is 97-99 different?
Old Jan 25, 2008 | 06:04 PM
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My 4th gen has a horn from a 97 Grand Prix. @ crossbreeding.
Old Mar 13, 2008 | 06:49 AM
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clock spring??

my horn only works when i turn my steering wheel all the way to the right. could it be my clock spring.? anyone replace it before? thanks.
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 10:56 AM
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Airbag / Possible Clock Spring Problem

I recently replaced my airbags myself on my 98 maxima se, changed the module out also but not the clock spring. My airbag light instead of being a steady red now blinks. Any Suggestions ? so far ive been told its most likely the clock spring than needs to be replaced also. Thanks
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 02:27 PM
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I replaced my clock spring and the airbag light went away. another symptom I had besides blinking airbag light was that my horn did not work. All is corrected now .
Old Sep 16, 2008 | 10:12 PM
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Horn related problem, only one of the dual horns works (sounds low and dull) and I noticed an electrical burning smell and I saw one whisp of smoke come from the left side of the steering wheel. Has anyone else experienced this or know what may have happened?

Thanks,

Jeff
Old Sep 16, 2008 | 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by maxprivate
my horn only works when i turn my steering wheel all the way to the right. could it be my clock spring.? anyone replace it before? thanks.
sounds like the clock spring to me. I haven't changed my clock spring but if you take the steering wheel off it is right there. Visually it looks like a pretty easy job but make sure you follow the directions of "The Wizard" so you don't blow your airbag. It's not as scary as it sounds though
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